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Remixing

Remix production has become a mission critical skill for many working producers and hip-hop and EDM (electronic dance music) artists. Business savvy music industry entrepreneurs recognize that remixing songs is a great way to generate income, publicity, attract new fans, and keep their catalog relevant. Remixing is also a whole lot of fun and gives you the opportunity to join a thriving online community of remixers who share their music on the Web (such as through soundcloud.com) and enter remix competitions with substantial prizes (such as indabamusic.com).

In this course, you'll produce four remixes based on different types of source material: stereo master, a cappella, breakout tracks, and a multi-track Pro Tools session. As the course progresses, each remix will increase in complexity and level of difficulty. You'll study principles and techniques of audio and MIDI editing, ReWire software protocol between Pro Tools and Reason, audio recycling, beat syncing, and groove quantization. You'll apply advanced remixing techniques using EQ-ing, filtering, and automation, learn to import and arrange REX audio loops, and understand the time compression/expansion tools needed to create an effective remix. In the process, you'll be developing a diverse skill set that will help you to better understand not only remixing, but mixing, advanced audio editing, and producing original material.

The course leverages the power of Avid's Pro Tools and Propellerhead's Reason using ReWire technology. Upon completion of the course you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these powerful programs can work together to produce professional remixes. The course requires Pro Tools and Reason and that students have a solid working knowledge of both programs. These software programs are industry standards that top artists and producers use for recording, editing, mixing, sound creation, and remixing.
By the end of the course, you will learn to:

Identify the differences between an original and remixed version of a songAppreciate the ways in which remixing can become part of your M.I. business planLegally obtain material for remixingEmploy ReWire effectivelyUse Pro Tools' Beat Detective and Elastic AudioUse Pro Tools' tick-based audio tracksPerform flawless tempo changesCompose new tracks that fit perfectly over the original songRemix practically any type of source materialBuild DJ friendly songs that will get played in clubsProduce professional sounding remixesPrepare remixes for manufacturing and distribution

Lesson 1: The Art of Remixing

Definition of "Remix"A Remake is Not A RemixHistory of RemixingExercise: Listening to RemixesWorkshop: Remix Fun MachineRemix Source MaterialFinding Tracks to RemixAssignment: Find a Remix Material Resource

A Cappella Remix DistinctionsDiscussion: Pros and Cons of Remixing an A CappellaImporting the A CappellaLocking the A Cappella to TempoVocals in the RoughExercise: Repair the Tempo DriftMicro-Editing for Perfect VocalsWorkshop: Micro-Editing VocalsAdding a Beat and the MusicWorkshop: Match the A Cappella to the MusicQuizAssignment: Remix an A Cappella

Lesson 6: Remixing Breakout Tracks

Breakout Track DetailsDiscussion: The Advantage of Breakout TracksSetting Up the Breakouts TracksWorkshop: Organize the Breakouts TracksGroove QuantizeMicro-Editing Instrument PartsExercise: Make These Tracks Groove TogetherWorking with Loops in Pro ToolsQuizAssignment: Remix the Breakout Tracks

The Game PlanDrum Loops and MIDI SamplesMIDI Groove ExtractionExercise: Map and Groove the MIDI FilesInstrument Loops and MIDI SamplesStrategies for Staying in KeyDiscussion: Got MIDI Samples?QuizAssignment: Lots of New Parts

Sound Design TechniquesAdvanced Stutter TricksDiscussion: Share Any Other Final Music Production TricksMix While You GoIdentifying High-Impact Production PointsAssignment: The Final Music Production

Lesson 11: Mixing

EQ for Club and Radio PlayCompress to Control DynamicsVarious Mixing TipsWorkshop: Identify the EffectSound ReplacementDiscussion: Share Any Special Mix TricksMixing Steps ReviewQuizAssignment: Do the Mix

Erik Hawkins

Author & Instructor

Erik Hawkins is a composer, producer, remixer, and author whose talents and technical expertise have leaders in the music industry calling him a "taste maker." He has worked with and remixed a variety of top artists, including Irene Cara, Digital Underground, Conscious Daughters, Strypper, Brenda Russell, and DJ Sasha. His own progressive dance music tracks have been used by major television networks and film studios, including ABC, CBS, MTV, Nickelodian, and New Line Cinema. Some of the TV shows and films in which his music can be heard include Ugly Betty, CSI:Miami, Burn Notice, Big Brother, The Last Day of Summer, The Disaster Movie, and The Informers.

More than one hundred of his articles have appeared in the industry's top publications, including Electronic Musician, Mix, and Keyboard. He's had monthly columns in Remix, MC2, and DigiZine. He has authored several books, including Studio-in-a-Box (ArtistPro, 2001) and the Complete Guide to Remixing (Berklee Press, 2003).

For lots of cool music production tips and tricks, check out his Berklee Online blog page:

There are remixed versions of songs available today from just about any musical genre. Have you ever wondered how you can add your own personal style to your favorite songs? The Complete Guide to Remixing is a comprehensive handbook of the history, technology, craft, and art of remixing.

Berklee Online and Propellerheads have come together to offer an educational discount on Reason 8. Once you enroll in the course, you will be able to purchase this package at the discounted price through the Required Course Materials link on your My Home page. Early enrollment is encouraged to ensure software delivery prior to the start of the course.

This course requires that you have a working knowledge of Pro Tools and Reason. You must already understand and be able to operate the required software programs at a basic level in order to benefit from this class.

The following is a list of the features and commands for Pro Tools and Reason in which you should be proficient:

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Enroll by August 14 to Save Up to $300 on College-Level Introductory Courses in Music Production, Music Business, and More

Berklee Online

Berklee Online is Berklee College of Music's online extension school. With world renowned faculty and unparalleled networking opportunities, Berklee Online brings the best of Berklee to students around the world.